British Values
At St. Paul’s CE Primary School, we actively promote British Values, as set out by the Department for Education and the Prevent Duty.
We value the diversity and backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community and are committed to ensuring that our children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become responsible, respectful and active citizens.
British Values are promoted through our curriculum, collective worship, school ethos and daily practice, supporting pupils to grow into safe, caring, democratic and tolerant individuals who make a positive contribution to British society and the wider world.
The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support for, or participation in, the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support for, and respect for, the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for, and tolerance of, different faiths and religious and other beliefs
Our school reflects British Values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so that they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to follow our core Christian values of Love, Forgiveness, Courage and Respect. We want our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
Democracy
All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have opportunities to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and Pupil Voice sessions.
The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum, as well as during whole-school worship and special breakout days.
St. Paul’s pupils have active involvement in the selection of house captains, council members, safety squad members and digital leaders, and in some cases the appointment of staff.
Rule of Law
School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
Pupils are supported to distinguish right from wrong in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
Pupils are encouraged to respect the law, understanding that it is there to protect us and keep us safe.
Pupils are taught about religious laws through Religious Education lessons.
The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero-tolerance approach to any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
Pupils are supported to develop their understanding that it is their responsibility, as children of God, to look after and care for His creation.
Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do this safely, for example through e-safety teaching and Personal, Social and Health Education (KAPOW PSHE) lessons.
Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes are challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school, and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system for logging incidents.
Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school, such as Council Members, Classroom Monitors and Sports Leaders.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Respect is one of the core Christian values of our school. Pupils know and understand that respect is expected to be shown to everyone, adults and children alike.
Pupils are supported in the understanding that we are all God’s children, growing many different branches as individuals, drawn from the parable of the Mustard Seed.
Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
Through PSHE and RE, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, including differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality or family circumstance, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Collective worship and discussions involving prejudice and prejudice-based bullying are followed and supported by learning in Religious Education and PSHE.
We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected, with global dimension work embedded across many Creative Curriculum topics and whole-school enrichment days and weeks.
Radicalisation and Extremism
All staff are aware of the signs of radical or extremist views, as outlined in the Prevent agenda. All adults, including Governors, are vigilant and know to report any concerns about views or behaviours expressed by a child, or by anyone connected to a child, to the Designated Safeguarding Leaders.